1985 is not si simple as the 1986-on Vanagons, but there are very few
troubles.

To meet USDOT specs, the speedometer must be changed (Canadian ones
read only in km/h) and the "Brake" dash indicator must be changed
(here, the Canadian one reads only an icon, while the US required
the word "Brake").

To meet USEPA specs, the sticker in the engine lid has to read that
it meets US specs -- but I think these all do.

To license the vehicle, you may have to get a letter from both
agencies -- I did for my Kombi.  They, in turn, require a "Certificate
of Compliance" from VWoA.  You can call and they will send one for
the particular vehicle.  They also required "official" verification
that the changes needed were made -- I simply went to a VW dealer and
had them write a note on their letterhead.

For my doublecab, I did all this, but California DMV did not ask for it
as they had for the Kombi -- I guess that there are many other doublecabs
(and singlecabs) in California, so their computer recognizes the model
code -- there are no other Kombis in California.

But basically, Vanagons (at least the later ones) are not difficult.  I've
been told that the EuroVans are real hard -- more chnages.  I think I
heard that VWoA won't issue the Certificates for them -- rumor, of course.

Malcolm H.